13 Days Gujarat Tour

Private Heritage, Temples & Gir Lion Safari

Ahmedabad, Palitana, Somnath, Gir National Park, Junagadh & Wankaner on a Private 13-Day Gujarat Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary – 13 Days Gujarat Tour

• Day 1: Arrival in Ahmedabad – Arrive in Ahmedabad, a UNESCO-listed heritage city shaped by centuries of trade, textile craft and Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy. After hotel check-in, the rest of the day is kept relaxed. In the evening, the Sabarmati Riverfront offers a calm introduction, with locals out walking, food stalls and sunset views over the water. Overnight in Ahmedabad.
• Day 2: Ahmedabad to Bhavnagar (approx. 170–200 km / 4–5 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Bhavnagar, a former princely port once linked to Arabian Sea trade routes. The landscape shifts from city to open rural Gujarat along the way. On arrival, visit Gandhi Smriti and the heritage areas that reflect the city’s colonial-era and maritime past. Overnight in Bhavnagar.
• Day 3: Palitana – Shatrunjaya Hill Temples (approx. 50 km / 1.5 hrs each way) – After an early breakfast, drive to Palitana, one of the world’s most important Jain pilgrimage sites. The climb up Shatrunjaya Hill, on thousands of stone steps, leads to nearly 900 marble temples built over centuries. It is both a spiritual and a physical experience, with panoramic views and a quiet atmosphere of devotion. Modest dress is required, and leather items are not allowed. Return to Bhavnagar. Overnight in Bhavnagar.
• Day 4: Bhavnagar to Ahmedpur Mandvi (approx. 200–230 km / 4–5 hrs) – After breakfast, travel to the coast at Ahmedpur Mandvi. This stretch introduces Gujarat’s quieter Arabian Sea shoreline, with fishing villages, open beaches and simple coastal life. The evening is ideal for a walk on the beach as the sea breeze settles in. Overnight in Ahmedpur Mandvi.
• Day 5: Somnath – Temple by the Arabian Sea (approx. 100–120 km / 2.5–3 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Somnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple stands right by the sea, where waves meet temple bells. The evening aarti is a highlight, with prayers blending into the coastal wind and open horizon. Overnight in Somnath.
• Day 6: Somnath to Sasan Gir (approx. 45–60 km / 1.5 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Gir National Park, the last natural home of the Asiatic lion. The landscape changes to dry deciduous forest of teak, acacia and open scrub. Arrive by afternoon and relax before tomorrow’s safari. Overnight in Sasan Gir.
• Day 7: Gir Safaris – Wildlife & Conservation Landscape – Enjoy early-morning and late-afternoon jeep safaris in Gir National Park. Lions are the main highlight, along with leopards, hyenas, deer and more than 300 bird species. The forest is also home to the Maldhari pastoral communities, a rare case of people and wildlife sharing a protected area. Overnight in Sasan Gir.
• Day 8: Gir to Junagadh (approx. 80–100 km / 2–2.5 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Junagadh, a city shaped by Mauryan, Sultanate and Nawab rule. Explore Uparkot Fort, ancient stepwells and the Mahabat Maqbara, whose Indo-Islamic and Gothic architecture reflects Gujarat’s layered history. Overnight in Junagadh.
• Day 9: Junagadh to Rajkot (approx. 100–105 km / 2–2.5 hrs) – After breakfast, travel to Rajkot, where Mahatma Gandhi spent part of his childhood. Visit the Watson Museum and explore local markets known for Bandhani textiles, silver jewellery and traditional Gujarati handicrafts. Overnight in Rajkot.
• Day 10: Rajkot to Wankaner (approx. 50 km / 1 hr) – After breakfast, visit Wankaner, a former princely state known for the royal Ranjit Vilas Palace. European-style architecture blends with traditional royal design, giving a quieter glimpse of Gujarat’s royal past. Overnight in Wankaner.
• Day 11: Wankaner to Ahmedabad (approx. 190–200 km / 4 hrs) – After breakfast, return to Ahmedabad. Visit Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi led India’s non-violent freedom movement. Later, visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex in nearby Gandhinagar, which showcases Hindu philosophy, architecture and cultural exhibitions (usually closed on Mondays). Overnight in Ahmedabad.
• Day 12: Ahmedabad – Old City, Stepwells & Living Heritage – After breakfast, explore Ahmedabad’s old city, where narrow pol lanes, carved wooden houses and historic mosques reflect centuries of Indo-Islamic architecture. Visit a stepwell and local markets that are still active cultural and commercial spaces. Overnight in Ahmedabad.
• Day 13: Departure from Ahmedabad – After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. The tour ends after a rounded experience of Gujarat’s sacred temples, coastal towns, royal heritage cities, stepwells and the wilderness of Gir.

Please Note: Distances, driving times and sightseeing durations are approximate and may vary with traffic, road quality, weather, local festivals, temple queues and government regulations. Safaris in Gir National Park depend on forest department permits, seasonal availability and wildlife movement, so sightings of lions cannot be guaranteed. The main Gir safari zone and the Palitana hill are usually closed during the monsoon. Temples require modest dress, with shoulders and knees covered.

Inclusions – 13 Days Gujarat Tour

• 12 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels in cities, pilgrimage towns and wildlife regions
• Daily breakfast, plus any other meals mentioned in your final itinerary
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with chauffeur for all transfers and intercity travel
• Entry assistance for the monuments, temples, stepwells and heritage sites in the itinerary
• Local expert-guided sightseeing in key destinations
• Gir National Park jeep safari, subject to permit availability and the forest department schedule
• Airport transfers, taxes, tolls, parking fees and driver expenses

Not Included

• International flights and Indian visa fees
• Monument entrance fees, unless confirmed in your final quote
• Meals other than breakfast, drinks and personal expenses
• Camera or video fees at monuments, and tips for guides and drivers
• Optional extras such as a palanquin (doli) on Shatrunjaya Hill
• Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend

Tour Customisation – Gujarat Tour

• Add a Rann of Kutch extension for the white desert and seasonal cultural festivals
• Add Dwarka, one of India’s major pilgrimage towns on the western coast
• Include curated street food and heritage walking tours in Ahmedabad
• Upgrade to heritage palaces and boutique hotels
• Extend your stay in Gir or Somnath for a slower pace
• Combine Gujarat with Maharashtra through our Best of Maharashtra tour, or add more wildlife with our India wildlife tours

Best Time to Travel in Gujarat

• October to March: The most comfortable season for sightseeing, temple visits and wildlife safaris. Gir usually reopens in mid-October.
• November to February: Ideal for the Rann of Kutch, festivals and desert experiences.
• April to June: Hot inland, so we plan early-morning sightseeing, and the coast is more manageable.
• Monsoon (June to September): We do not recommend this route, as the main Gir safari zone and the Palitana hill are usually closed.

For a wider view of India’s seasons, see our guide to the best time to visit India.

FAQs – Gujarat Tour

• Q: Does this tour include a Gir safari?
  A: Yes, as per permit availability and the forest department schedule. Permits are limited, so we advise booking early. Sightings of lions cannot be guaranteed.
• Q: Does the tour include Dwarka or the Rann of Kutch?
  A: Not in the standard 13-day route. We can add either as an extension.
• Q: How many days are ideal for Gujarat?
  A: Ten to thirteen days is ideal to cover Ahmedabad, Palitana, Somnath, Gir and the heritage towns comfortably.
• Q: How hard is the Palitana climb?
  A: It involves thousands of stone steps, so it is best started early in the day. A palanquin can be arranged if you prefer.
• Q: Is alcohol available in Gujarat?
  A: Gujarat is a dry state, with limited exceptions for permit holders and some licensed venues. We can advise you before you travel.
• Q: Can this itinerary be customised?
  A: Yes. The whole journey can be adjusted for duration, travel style and the experiences you prefer.

Why Choose Premium India Tour – Gujarat

• Jaipur-based travel specialists with local expertise since 2010
• A route planned around real travel flow, from riverfront Ahmedabad to the coast, Gir and the princely towns
• Private, tailor-made itineraries designed around your dates, pace and interests
• Local guides who give cultural and historical context at each stop
• Private transport and personalised service throughout the journey